Comet 10P/Tempel 2 is set to return to the inner solar system this week, presenting a chance for the public to observe it from Earth for the first time in years. The comet's approach makes it a notable celestial event for skywatchers.
A comet is defined as a celestial body that orbits the Sun, composed of frozen gases, rock, and dust, often described metaphorically as a "dirty snowball." According to NASA, these frozen bodies can be as large as a small town. When a comet's orbital path brings it near the Sun, solar heat causes it to release dust and gases, forming a large, luminous head. This material then extends into a tail that can stretch millions of miles away from the Sun.